Flames and ice collided with their fists, producing a large cloud of smoke. Natsu's flames were melting Gray's ice.
But since Gray had chosen to engage Natsu in close combat with Ice Fist, he had already prepared for this.
"Icebound Barrier, open!"
Centered on Gray, an unusually intense chill rapidly spread outward. Before Natsu, who was right in front of Gray, could react, Gray froze him solid.
Seeing Natsu frozen, Gray pressed his advantage.
"Ice Make: Battle Axe!"
An ice-forged axe instantly appeared in Gray's hand, and he swung it straight at the frozen Natsu.
But Natsu was no pushover!
As Gray was still swinging the axe, flames of fury suddenly appeared in Natsu's eyes. Then, the ice freezing him was blasted apart by the flames surging from within his body.
"I won't be defeated that easily!"
"Fire Dragon's Claw!"
Flames instantly wrapped around Natsu's legs, greatly increasing his explosive power. He managed to strike after moving second but arrive first, twisting aside to dodge before following up with a spinning back kick just before Gray's axe could hit him.
Gray had no time to change his move and was struck directly by Natsu's spinning back kick.
After tracing a parabola through the air, Gray slammed heavily into the ground.
The spectators nearby let out a collective gasp. Nobody had expected the fight to develop this way.
Gray immediately got back to his feet. By now, he was both embarrassed and enraged. He had studied for so many years and had done plenty of private training. In his view, he should have been able to deal with Natsu quickly. That was why he had let his guard down after freezing Natsu. He had never expected Natsu's explosive power to be so strong that he would shatter the ice in an